Luke Littler once again addressed crowd reactions after storming into the World Darts Championship semi-finals on Thursday night.
The reigning world champion delivered a ruthless performance at Alexandra Palace, demolishing Krzysztof Ratajski 5–0 to book a last-four clash with Ryan Searle on Friday.
Averaging 100.04, Littler has already secured £100,000 for reaching the semi-finals and remains firmly on course to defend his title and claim the tournament’s £1 million top prize.
Despite being the clear favourite, Littler’s campaign has not been without controversy. In his last-16 win over Rob Cross, the 18-year-old made headlines after snapping at sections of the crowd who booed him during the match.
When whistles continued into his post-match interview, Littler reignited the situation with a pointed remark:
“Really not bothered. Can I just say one thing? You guys pay for tickets, and you pay for my prize money, so thanks for booing me.”
The comments quickly became a major talking point across the sporting world, even drawing discussion on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. Littler later softened his stance in his press conference, while his mother Lisa fiercely defended him on social media with an X-rated post aimed at what she described as “vile” fans.
However, there was a noticeable shift in atmosphere during Littler’s dominant win over Ratajski. Booing was minimal, and the world number one appeared eager to reconnect with the Ally Pally crowd.
Speaking afterwards, Littler said he wanted supporters firmly back on his side.
“It’s a new year,” he said.
“A few boos here and there, but as soon as I got on stage the crowd were absolutely unbelievable.
“Beforehand, family and friends were just like, ‘Whatever happens, happens.’ As soon as I got on stage I clapped everyone so they know I want them on my side again. They were with me tonight and I got the job done, so hopefully it’s the same again tomorrow.”
Littler also reflected on how the Cross match had tested him mentally.
“I am growing as a player mentally. I know how to deal with it now. The Rob Cross game definitely tested me, but I got through it. Going forward, I know how to handle it and move past it.”
The teenager is now chasing history, aiming to join Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson as the only players to lift back-to-back world titles. His semi-final is scheduled for around 9pm on Friday night.
Away from the spotlight, Littler revealed he is sticking to the same routine that worked during his title-winning run last year. Instead of staying in the players’ hotel, he has once again opted to live in a rented house with his family — and, surprisingly, without a practice board.
“I’ve been lazy in the house — I should have brought a board down,” Littler admitted.
“But it worked last year. We stayed in a house and it worked.
“When I played Luke Humphries before, I was in the Hilton with dartboards. Last year, house with no boards, I won it. This year, no board again — we’ll see what happens.”
For now, Littler’s focus is firmly on the stage — and with momentum building, both the crowd and history may yet be on his side.
